3.3.4: Students' Access to Sexual & Reproductive Health-Care Services and Information

King Abdulaziz University has worked to provide access to sexual and reproductive health services, both therapeutic and training, for all its members through various departments and medical centers. This allows students and staff to receive healthcare services free of charge, as follows:

1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University Hospital:

This department is one of the scientific departments in the College of Medicine and the clinical departments in the university hospital, comprising a distinguished group of faculty members and doctors who offer exceptional academic and medical services in all specialties of obstetrics and gynecology.

The department supervises the teaching of the obstetrics and gynecology curriculum for fifth-year medical students and participates in teaching some basic and elective sciences. It also provides foundational training for interns from within and outside King Abdulaziz University.

The department has significant contributions to scientific research and supervising graduate students. Many of its members have made distinguished contributions at the administrative level and in community service, and several have participated in the establishment of specialized units and scientific associations.

2. University Medical Services Center:

King Abdulaziz University also offers sexual and reproductive health services through the University Medical Services Center, which has a main branch and a separate branch for female students.

This health center provides primary and specialized healthcare services (preventive and therapeutic) for various categories of the university community, including faculty members, employees, their families, and students, using the latest medical techniques. Services are delivered through general and specialized clinics, as well as supporting services (pharmacy, radiology, laboratory, nursing, social services, patient experience, patient services, health education, quality unit, and infection control), covering approximately 90% of the needs of staff free of charge. Cases requiring advanced services or hospitalization are referred to the university hospital.

The center includes three obstetrics and gynecology clinics that operate throughout the week, managed by specialists and consultants in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as fertility and infertility consultants. Family doctors also contribute to the pregnancy follow-up clinic, which operates weekly and provides all its services for free.

According to statistics provided by the center for the year 2024, the number of beneficiaries from the obstetrics and gynecology clinics reached 6,414.

In addition to healthcare services, King Abdulaziz University provides community awareness and educational services through its health centers and the university hospital by organizing events and campaigns targeting all community members, including students, free of charge both inside and outside the university.

 On October 14, 2024, under the patronage and presence of the Vice President of the University for Business and Knowledge Creativity, Dr. Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Amoudi, the University Medical Services Center organized the World Breast Cancer Day event under the slogan “Early Detection is Better”, in partnership with the Public Health Authority (Weqaya), the College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, and the College of Nursing, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention of breast cancer.(link)

The Department of Physical Therapy at the College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, represented by the Student Club and in collaboration with the Health Promotion Center at King Abdulaziz University, organized an event titled “Physical Therapy and Women’s Health” on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in the lobby of the University Hospital. (link)

On December 1, 2024, the Health Education Unit at the University Hospital of King Abdulaziz University, in collaboration with the Health Empowerment and Health Rights Unit at the College of Medicine, and with the participation of the College of Nursing and the internal departments of the University Hospital, organized an event titled “Reproductive Health and Healthy Marriage.”

 The event aimed to raise visitors’ awareness about the importance of healthy marriage and reproductive health.(link)

On World Prematurity Day, which falls on November 17, 2024, the Health Promotion Center published an awareness message emphasizing the importance of regular prenatal check-ups with a doctor, noting that such follow-ups play a crucial role in reducing the risk of premature birth and ensuring the health of both mother and baby. (link)